Cascades East Transit implements new OHA guidelines

'High-touch surfaces' wiped down every 4 hours; new signage

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The health and safety of all Cascades East Transit riders and staff is a top priority, and never more so than during the coronavirus pandemic. CET continues to take necessary precautions to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and said Tuesday it has implemented new state guidelines.

High-touch surfaces in vehicles and at facilities are disinfected multiple times per day, hand sanitizer is provided in all buses and transit stations, and drivers and passengers are required to wear face coverings.

Additionally, CET encourages social distancing between drivers and passengers by blocking off seats, allowing rear-door boardings on our low-floor buses in Bend, and by temporarily suspending fare collection to avoid the exchange of money.

CET is also implementing new transit guidelines released by the Oregon Health Authority on Friday.

High-touch surfaces on buses and at facilities are being wiped down every four hours and additional signage and visual cues have been placed on all buses to encourage passengers to stand and sit at least three feet away from other passengers and six feet away from drivers.

CET staff are posting maximum occupancy numbers on each bus to ensure adequate social distancing between passengers and drivers and prevent crowding. Extra buses are also being staged to help on routes where buses are getting full; however, passengers should allow extra time when making trips.  

Passengers are still required to wear face coverings such as masks, scarves, and bandanas when boarding the bus. Exceptions are being made for children under 2 years of age and for people with disabilities or with certain health conditions who cannot wear a mask.

CET drivers are also required to wear face coverings and they will hand out masks free of charge to customers who do not have one. “

"We take the cleanliness of our buses and the health and safety of our staff and passengers very seriously," said COIC Executive Director Tammy Baney. "Preventing the spread of COVID-19 is a team effort, and we want to thank our riders for adhering to both existing and new guidelines when making essential trips such as going to the doctor, pharmacy, a job or grocery store.”

More information about CET’s efforts to help keep our community moving safely can be found at www.cascadeseasttransit.com. OHA COVID-19 updates and guidelines can be found at https://govstatus.egov.com/OR-OHA-COVID-19                                                                               

Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council (COIC) was designated a Council of Governments in 1972 under ORS 190. Cascades East Transit, operated by COIC, provides fixed-route and Dial-A-Ride services in Bend, Community Connector regional services, general public Dial-A-Ride services in Redmond, La Pine, Prineville, Sisters, and Madras, flex-route service in Warm Springs and recreational routes like Ride the River, Lava Butte, and the Mt. Bachelor shuttle.